Evaluation of degeneration retinal ganglion cell loss in acute glaucoma model rats using syringe pump technique

Abstract

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/vaGQXY-i4KE Introduction: Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the gradual decline in function and degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. The elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a predominant contributing factor to its onset. Employing laboratory animals to model glaucoma is a well-established strategy that serves the dual purpose of identifying disease mechanisms and developing novel neuroprotective approaches. The aim of this study was to develop a preclinical acute model of glaucoma based on controllable intraocular pressure with a syringe pump in rat Rattus norvegicus. Methods: This research was an animal-experimental study in animal model adult male Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus), taken in May - October 2023 in an integrated laboratory Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universitas Syiah Kuala. Total samples used in this research were 10 rats, divided into two categories which are control group (A) and treatment group (B) were given a pressure of 250 mmHg pressure in the right eye for 60 minutes. Apoptosis and degeneration of retinal ganglion cells after 8 weeks of elevated intraocular a pressure of 250 mmHg in the right eye for 60 minutes were observed by the HE staining. Result: A significant difference in IOP was noted between control group rat and treatment group rat. All rats that received treatment experienced an increase in IOP (100%). The RGC density decreased significantly in the treatment group rat (mean: 11.72 cell/field of view or lower 46.88%) compared with the control group (p =0.005). Conclusion: A pressure of 250 mmHg for 60 minutes has been proven to cause degeneration of the RGCs up to nearly 50% within a week. We tried a technique to induce increased IOP in rats as a model of acute glaucoma. Syringe pump technique can effectively induce acute ocular hypertension in rats, which causes progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells.